Numerous bereaved citizens have assembled at a prominent sports venue in the Kenyan capital for the national memorial service of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Many carried national flags, pictures of the departed politician, and wore T-shirts printed with his image to pay their final respects.
Safety measures are rigorous in and around the venue, with police and military officers positioned to prevent a recurrence of the unrest witnessed on Thursday during the casket visitation.
No fewer than three persons perished after officers discharged firearms and chemical agents in an effort to control the huge crowds who had gathered to escort Odinga's body from the Kenya's chief aviation hub after it arrived from India where he died.
Regional Leaders Participate in Memorial Ceremony
The leaders from Somalia and Ethiopian are among international dignitaries attending the funeral service at the public venue.
Earlier on Friday morning, Odinga's body was taken to the legislative building, where MPs and selected dignitaries paid respects to the body.
Political Giant Commemorated
Odinga, a influential character on Kenya's political scene, succumbed this past Wednesday in his eightieth year in India, where he had been getting hospital care.
Grievers have been holding foliage and tropical leaves, a emblem of bereavement and sorrow among the Luo community to which Odinga was part of.
Last Procession Arranged
On Saturday his body will be transported to the western city, a urban center in western Kenya on the banks of Lake Victoria - his political stronghold.
Ordinary people will get a chance to view the body before he is buried on Sunday at his agricultural estate in Bondo, about 60km (40 miles) west of Kisumu.
As per family statements, it was Odinga's desire to be buried within the minimum duration achievable, ideally within 72 hours.
A seven-day span of mourning has been declared.
Leadership History
He was a commanding presence in Kenyan politics and for many years was the country's main opposition leader, losing five presidential campaigns, most recently in the previous electoral cycle.
Odinga repeatedly said he was denied success, citing the manipulation of votes.
The country grieves the departure of a government giant whose influence will remain for coming years.
The nation continues to commemorate the heritage of one of its most prominent statesmen as citizens assemble to say goodbye.
